Evaluation Criteria & Process

Expansion Grants

The strongest proposals include those with the most compelling goals, a clear ability to achieve those goals, and eventual impacts that will be tangible and long lasting. If funded, proposals must also be ready to begin. MVYouth will invest in organizations that can turn their good ideas into reality and have the structure and systems to do so. Grants are generally not awarded to organizations that are supported by tax payers dollars or to sustain operating budgets.

Prospective applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by October 1 stating the name, goals and approximate budget of the proposal. The Executive Director will determine whether proposals meet the funding criteria before the application process may begin. The application deadline for Part 1 is October 15. Each grant proposal will be reviewed by the Advisory Board. No more than five semifinalists will be identified and asked to complete Part 2 of the application. Interviews will be conducted with the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will make their recommendations to the Board of Trustees for review and approval. The Trustees will ultimately determine the number of finalists and the size of each grant. Grant recipients will be announced in February. Outlined below are the evaluation criteria that will be used to assess each proposal.

LEADERSHIP

The mission is clearly articulated and made public. The organization has a good community reputation, its infrastructure is in place and consistent with its stated mission.

There is a qualified, dependable professional in place to oversee the organization and the proposal, as well as adequate, qualified staff with necessary expertise. The Organization is more than the work of one or two individuals.

The Board is appropriately sized with a diversity of skills and backgrounds. The Board provides direction, oversight and fiduciary responsibility to the organization. Policies and procedures are in place to navigate complex decision making. The Board has a governance structure that supports the organization’s needs.

The organization has an established track record of performance and a positive reputation and professional standing in the community.

PLAN

The need and timeliness for the proposal is clearly articulated and relevant to our community. The proposal does not duplicate existing services.

A timeline for successful completion of the proposal has been established. The scope of the project is reasonable and attainable during the identified timeframe.

The proposal is in line with MVYouth’s funding objectives.

FINANCES

The organization shows a pattern of fiscal solvency and good management as reflected in an audit or financial review.

The organization meets its operating budget through a variety of methods with proven regularity.

The proposal’s budget is clear, realistic and appropriate for the numbers served. Expenditures are reasonable and do not subsidize existing costs.

The Organization’s own constituencies are participating in underwriting the project.

There are financial projections that demonstrate the proposal will sustain itself after MVYouth's funding period is over.

IMPACT

The proposal clearly demonstrates the need for the project, expansion of programs or services, and addresses future membership or increased participation in terms of diversity or numbers served.

This project or program is designed to be fully accessible to the target population.

Project has attainable and manageable outcomes with long-lasting and meaningful community impacts. The proposal includes an impact measurement plan.

COLLABORATION

Project brings various organizations together for a common purpose. Effective, complimentary relationships with other Island agencies are incorporated to benefit the target group.

There is strong collaboration between the Organization’s Staff, Board, Donors, parents and participants. The proposal engages community support through outreach efforts.

SUSTAINABILITY

Leadership has provided a specific staffing and maintenance strategy to assure the proposal’s success and sustainability.

The proposal includes a financial plan to continue successfully funding the programs and/or services. Financial projections demonstrate the proposal is capable of sustaining itself after support from MVYouth ends.

READINESS

The need and timeliness of the proposal is clearly articulated. There is a well-constructed timeline for execution. The scope of the proposal is attainable in the proposed granting time period.

The proposal includes a plan to sustain the programs and/or services beyond the period of MVYouth’s support.

The proposal is ready to be executed. Funds from MVYouth will enable this proposal to begin this year.

COLLEGE Scholarships

The application deadline for Part 1 is January 20. Each application will be reviewed and competitive applicants informally interviewed by the Advisory Board in early March. Using our evaluation tool, up to twelve semifinalists will be identified and asked to return for more formal interviews with representatives of the Board of Trustees in late March. After receiving admission information in mid April, semifinalists will submit Part 2 of the application. The Board of Trustees will ultimately determine the number and size of each scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be determined by May 1, and formally awarded at Class Night in early June. Outlined below are the application elements that will be used to assess our criteria: Academics, Character & Service.

YEAR-ROUND RESIDENCE

Applicant is a year-round resident of Martha’s Vineyard.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Applicant has a transcript that demonstrates consistent enrollment in challenging coursework and a record of high performance.

Applicant demonstrates the capacity to lead others in thought or action.

ACTIVITIES, EMPLOYMENT & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Applicant demonstrates conviction, drive and perseverance in activities and interests in and out of school.

Applicant demonstrates direction and purpose indicative of their interests.

Applicant demonstrates a record of community service and active citizenship in school and Island communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Teachers and community members report positively about the applicant.

FINANCIAL NEED

Financial need persists after the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), institutional grants and other scholarships are subtracted.

Workforce Development Scholarships

The application deadline is April 1. Each application will be reviewed and all competitive applicants informally interviewed by the Workforce Development Advisory Board. Using our evaluation tool, finalists will be selected. The Board of Trustees will determine the size of each scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be publicly awarded at Class Night in early June. Outlined below are the elements that will be used to assess our criteria: Academics, Character and Career Experience & Goals .

YEAR-ROUND RESIDENCE

Applicant is a year-round resident of Martha’s Vineyard.

TRANSCRIPTS & GRADES

Applicant has a transcript that demonstrates consistent academic and technical performance.

Applicant demonstrates a commitment to learning through enrollment in challenging courses and sustained focus.

CHARACTER

Applicant demonstrates perseverance, drive and conviction that has supported their ability to transcend challenging situations and personal obstacles.

Applicant demonstrates ambitionthrough a coherent articulation of education and career goals; self-motivation and self-direction.

Applicant demonstrates a history and potential for success and a high degree of employability.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE & AMBITIONS

Applicant demonstrates a positive history of employment.

Applicant demonstrates a clear education & career plan that is logical, sequential and achievable.